Thai protester leader calls new massive rally

Thailand's anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban on Tuesday night announced a new massive rally to be staged on Sunday.

Suthep called on the Thais to join the protest in an attempt to force "caretaker" Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step down.

He would also lead marches in the capital on Thursday and Friday, added the former deputy prime minister and now secretary- general of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC).

Yingluck on Tuesday reiterated that she would stay on the caretaking post until a new prime minister is elected. The coming general election is scheduled for Feb. 2, 2014.

Representatives of the PDRC on Tuesday met with the Election Commission to demand the general election be postponed.

The EC is ready to postpone the election provided that political parties agree and the delay is legally permitted, EC member Somchai Srisuthiyakorn responded.

But if the election cannot be postponed, the PDRC should help ensure an election is held in a fair manner and without vote buying, Somchai added.